Ayushman Bharat Yojana, also known as Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana is a flagship health insurance scheme for the government of India. The scheme aims to provide free and quality healthcare services to the poor and vulnerable sections of the country. Recently, the government has announced an important reform in this scheme, under which all elderly people above the age of 70 years will be provided free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh.
Major diseases covered under free treatment for the elderly
Under this scheme, the elderly will get free treatment for many serious diseases, including
- Cancer: Treatment of various types of cancer such as prostate cancer, lung cancer, etc.
- Heart diseases: Heart attack, stent implantation, bypass surgery, etc.
- Kidney diseases: Dialysis, kidney transplant, etc.
- Cataract: Cataract surgery.
- Viral diseases: Dengue, malaria, chikungunya, etc.
- Prostate cancer: Special treatment.
- Knee and hip replacement: Major surgery.
- Pediatric surgery: Surgery of children.
- Skull base surgery: Complex surgery of the head.
- Neurosurgery: Surgery related to the nervous system.
Health coverage and registration
Now, senior citizens aged 70 years and above will get additional health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh separately. This coverage will start within a week. To avail of this scheme, the elderly have to register on the PMJAY portal or Ayushman app. Senior citizens who already have Ayushman cards will have to update their cards’ e-KYC.
Who can avail of the benefits?
All citizens above the age of 70 years will get the benefit of this scheme, irrespective of their financial status. Those who already have Ayushman cards do not need to get a new card, but they will have to update their e-KYC. Those who are already availing of benefits from government health insurance schemes such as CGHS, ECHS, or Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) can choose either their existing scheme or AB PM-JAY.
Benefits and Impact
The elderly who are getting the benefit of free treatment under this scheme will be relieved of the financial burden and will be able to get the necessary medical services on time. This will make the lives of millions of elderly people easier and they will be able to get better health services.
Thus, the Ayushman Bharat Yojana is an important step for the elderly, which will help increase access to health services and ensure financial security.